The exhibition, taking place at the Jamberoo School of Arts, will feature a range of works from Cornwell, who has been painting professionally since the 1970s.

Cornwell grew up in Sydney's harbourside suburbs and also spent time working on cattle stations throughout Australia.

These experiences have formed the inspirations for Cornwell's works, with many of his paintings depicting working rural Australia as well as marine scenes.

"I spent most of my early childhood with my legs sticking out from under the bed as I was drawing and painting away," Cornwell said.

"After I left school I was offered a scholarship to the National Art School.

"When I finished that I went into the screen printing business for a few years, and then took up art permanently in 1970.

"My mother was one of the Hindmarsh family who owned the Alne Bank property in Gerringong, so I spent plenty of time there growing up and I spent some time doing stock work out on sheep stations as well.

"This was when horses were still being used, and those scenes were something I wanted to capture and show people.

"Growing up around Sydney Harbour, we were always out sailing; all those boats out there are completely different than what we used to use, so I'm glad I was able to capture that."

The upcoming Jamberoo exhibition will be Cornwell's 39th solo exhibition in his artistic career.

"My wife passed away last year not long after we moved down to Berry.

"I'm in a much smaller house down here and I'm being over-run by paintings, so it's good to get them out and have somewhere to show them.

"Some of these paintings I've had for years, so to exhibit them and put them up for sale is a bit like selling your children, but I'm still looking forward to it."

The exhibition will open at the Jamberoo School of Arts on January 30.